Tropical Tuesday comes close to records

People try to cool off as temperatures soar above 30 Celsius in Kamloops.

(JENNIFER STAHN /InfoTel Multimedia)

July 09, 2014 - 8:41 AM

VERNON TOPS PREVIOUS HIGH

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - With temperatures soaring into the mid-30s yesterday, it was a close call for many communities but Vernon was alone in setting a new record.

With temperatures reaching a high of 34.8 Celsius, Vernon beat the previous record of 34.4 C, set in 1920. Vernon will be a bit cooler today with a high of only 31 C but Saturday through Tuesday temperatures are expected to climb even higher with a forecast of 34-36 C.

In Kamloops the temperature reached 36.4 C yesterday, 1.4 C below the record high, set in 1906. Today temperatures are expected to reach 30 C while Saturday through Tuesday highs are expected to be in the 36-38 C range.

Kelowna saw temperatures reach 34.4 C yesterday, 1.3 C below the record, while Penticton was a couple degrees below the record of 36 C with a high of 33.7 C Tuesday. Both cities can expect to see highs just above 30 C today but highs of 34-36 Saturday through Tuesday.

In the Shuswap area, Salmon Arm also fell just short of the record high with a temperature of 33.2 C yesterday, 1.8 C below the record set in 1968.

The hot temperatures and sunshine has Environment Canada still calling for a very high UV index rating. Environment Canada warns extra precaution is needed when the index reaches the very high rating because unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.

In general the weather office suggests reducing the amount of time you spend in the sun during the day and to wear broad-rimmed hats, long sleeves and wrap-around sunglasses along with sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15, regardless of the UV index rating.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior